For peace, healing, and the strength to be a good Christian

[petitefleur]

Some people seem to be naturally “good”; they’re able to have joy and peace everywhere and in all situations. I regret to say that I am not one of those people; although there’s a part of me that truly loves the Lord and His Church very much, being a good Christian in adverse circumstances (illnesses, uncertainties, lack of understanding and support from those around me) is a great struggle for me.

I’m currently spending time in a traditionally Catholic country in an effort to get better physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I’ve been given opportunities to take classes at a local Catholic university also, but before starting school I need to look for treatment for certain health issues. The funny thing is, I’ve had these issues (respiratory allergies, which often lead to irregular breathing and insomnia) for years, but they’ve always been manageable before. Then over the course of the past few weeks, suddenly they got really bad and it makes me very afraid and lonesome, especially since there’s no foolproof way to solve them (I don’t respond to conventional treatments, and have had some horrible experiences with experimental treatments back home). I find it difficult to have the virtues of hope, joy and peace in this situation. I grew up in a very worldly atmosphere, and have only learned about the beauty of Christ’s love more fully over the past few years.

I’d appreciate your earnest prayers for my health, healing (physical, emotional and spiritual) and future.
Many good Christians around me keep saying that the Lord is purifying me, but for me, these kinds of things tend to cause discouragement, fear and despair instead of a more fervent faith or love for God.
And the uncertainty is also very trying for me–due to my respiratory issues, even a low dose of sleep aid can have adverse effects, and I find it difficult to keep courage, hope and joy in a continually sleep deprived state.

I will be looking at alternative treatments over the next few days/weeks, please pray a lot for me. I know a few good Christians who are very supportive of me, but my own family and relatives come from a very worldly milieu and thus can’t really relate or give emotional support. I grew up in a very distrustful atmosphere also (very much like the ancient Israelites’ mentality when they’re enslaved in Egypt; that’s why they had problems trusting God even after they’re freed from slavery).

Please pray for me.
Of course I want to be healed and to feel great, but I don’t want to abandon the virtues of hope, joy, courage and peace in times of trial, either. Especially trust in God’s Providence–that’s very difficult for me, even in relatively “good” times sometimes.

I’d appreciate your prayers for my physical healing and also for my spiritual life.
May the Lord bless and keep you always, now and forever.

Thanks a lot in advance,

Marie Therese

 

[Katie777]

Remember,
O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, Implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy hear and answer me, Amen.

 

[drac16]

I pray that God heals you of your health problems and that He takes away fear and despair from you. Amen.

 

[njlisa]

Prayer for Peace of Mind

Fortify me with the grace of Your Holy Spirit,
and give Your peace to my soul that I may be
free from all needless anxiety, solicitude, and
worry. Help me to desire always that which is
pleasing and acceptable to You so that Your
will may be my will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

– St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Create in Me a Clean Heart

Give me the grace to put You as first priority in my
life at all times and to turn away from sin and
influences that lead to sin. Teach me to pray
and give me the desire to pray as often as I can.

Lift me up when my prayers seem dry and
empty, when I feel as though my prayers are
not being heard. Strengthen me with patience
and perseverance when trials and obstacles
make me feel like giving up.

Guide me in the path that leads to You.
And dearest Lord, draw me near to You
always, and let my spirit be filled with Your
power and healing presence.

I pray this in Jesus’ name through Mary
and all the angels and saints. Amen.

For the Recovery of a Sick Person

O Merciful God, giver of life and health. Bless,
I pray You, Your servant petitefleur and those
who administer to her with Your healing gifts.
May she may be restored to health of body and
of mind, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

[Katie777]

Hail Mary,
Full of grace
The Lord is with Thee.
Blessed art Thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb,
Jesus
Holy Mary
Mother of God
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of death,
Amen